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Jared Diamond Talks Traditional Societies with Steven Colbert

Jared Diamond recently appeared on The Colbert Report to talk about his new book, The World Until Yesterday, and receive some good-natured ribbing from Steven Colbert. Diamond certainly doesn't need the "Colbert bump", as his book debuted in the top-three on The New York Times bestseller list. However, he still found the time to sit down with the leader of Colbert nation to talk about the main theme in his book—the differences and similarities between modern society and traditional societies, and what we can learn from them.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author discussed his field work in New Guinea, and gave examples of places in the U.S. that still share characteristics of traditional societies. He even played along with Colbert when asked to imitate the University of Notre Dame's famous "Fighting Irish" mascot! As well respected as he is successful, Diamond is a staple in the media, and has appeared on The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, and numerous other programs. His writing has been also been called "one of the most significant projects embarked upon by any intellectual of our generation" by The New York Times. On stage, he demands attention, and leaves audiences with a newfound understanding of how the past and the present are inextricably linked.